Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
Tent city at Dibbins Hut during a storm Photo: Terry Sydes, Benalla Bushwalking Club newsletter, March-May 2012
Contributions Inside this issue... Email or post news, views, club profiles, articles, photographs, Walking and Talking with the Advertisement—Wildflower Wonder on Bushwalking Victoria President ...... 2 sketches and letters on any the Bibbulmun Track ...... 8 subject of interest to bushwalkers New Board Members Wanted...... 3 Parks Victoria Salutes its Women (subject to editorial approval) to: 2012 Leadership Forum...... 3 Rangers and Field Officers...... 8 [email protected] For Club Committees—New Notice—Career Firefighting: Womens or Compliance Support Website ...... 3 Information Session...... 8 24 Moorhouse Street Bushwalking Environment: Challenge your Family and Friends to Camberwell Victoria 3124 Track clearing & conservation Get Active in 2012 ...... 8 Deadline for the May edition: projects...... 4 Bushwalking Victoria Board Member & Monday, 16 April 2012 Project discussions involving Office Holder Profile—Sylvia McLean 9 BEC ...... 4 Sun & Moon...... 10 The statements and opinions What the clubs are doing...... 4 Natural Environment: expressed in articles are those of the Notice—Green Connections...... 4 author and do not necessarily Aust-wide wildlife corridor plan...10 Around the Tracks: represent the views or position of Grand Strzelecki Track official Regent Honeyeater Project ...... 10 Bushwalking Victoria. opening...... 5 Bushwalking Resources: Editor: Joslin Guest Grampians NP...... 6 Goldfields Track walking guide is Alpine NP road & track closure on its way ...... 11 report ...... 6 Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay and Wilsons Prom ...... 6 City Walks—book review...... 11 Alps...... 7 Who’s Who at BWV ...... 12
Issue No. 224 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
WALKING AND TALKING WITH THE BUSHWALKING VICTORIA PRESIDENT
Future Walker Project update subscribing to news, a blog and/or forum. Websites for clubs It is anticipated that the new The principal initiative of our Future Walker Project was website will be launched around the provision of websites to clubs without a website or with mid-year. a basic or out-of-date site. Due to the excellent deal we negotiated with our developer (ECWeb Development), late Green Walks in the Park last year we were able to extend the offer to all clubs not Project currently using a Web Content Management System to maintain their website. We recently received official confirmation from Parks Victoria To date 23 clubs have accepted the offer and six of these that they are extending funding for a further 12 months for have launched their new website. Of the newly launched the Green Walks in the Park Project that we have been websites, four were developed by people with no previous running jointly with the Heart Foundation since mid-2011. web development or web management experience, and This is great news for our Project Officer, Erica Gurner, who also developed their website with little or no and her dedicated team of volunteers, who can now plan assistance from the developer or Bushwalking Victoria. the schedule of walks for the remainder of 2012 and also A disappointing aspect of the project is that 15 of clubs develop some new walks. invited to participate did not respond to the two invitations During 2011, which was the development and sent to them. However, it is not too late for a club to establishment phase of the project, Erica, her team and participate, even if previously they have declined our the Heart Foundation Project Officer worked really hard to invitation or did not responded. identify suitable walk locations, recruit and train volunteers Sites that have already been launched include the: and organise and conduct a range of walks. Initially we were somewhat disappointed by the number of walkers www.sunbushwalk.net.au turning up. But since the start of this year our approach www.caexbushwalkingclub.org.au has changed and we now work closely with councils in our www.echucamoamabushwalkers.org.au target areas to organise and promote walks. As a result www.walkingclubvic.org.au recent walks have been much better attended and a recent www.waywardwomenwalkers.org.au walk at Point Cook was the best attended so far, which is New Bushwalking Victoria website really good news given the health problems associated with the lack of recreation facilities in the City of Wyndham Work is now underway to design and implement a new as highlighted in a feature article in The Age on 15 March. Bushwalking Victoria website. The existing site has been in place for five years and its design, navigation and site Walk venues to date have included Brimbank Park, management elements are overdue for an upgrade. The Woodlands Historic Park, Tirhatuan Park, Braeside Park, content of the site is reasonably comprehensive and up-to- Maribyrnong Parklands and Geelong. Additional venues date and does not require much updating, but sometimes being considered for 2012 include Cranbourne Botanic finding the information you need can be a bit challenging. Gardens, Karkarook Park and Shepparton. We will endeavour to address this through an improved For more information or to volunteer as a walk leader or menu structure. assistant leader, contact Erica on 0487 804 321 or via One of the glaring deficiencies of the existing site is the email at [email protected] lack of information about walking opportunities across the Chris Towers, President state. We actually have details on approximately 200 [email protected] walks on the site in the form of the walks booklets from the Federation Walks. However the booklets are quite hard to find and are not presented in a particularly useful format. IMPORTANT DATES FOR CLUB & So this is another aspect we will be concentrating on. INDIVIDUAL DIARIES — 2012 The existing site requires a degree of technical expertise Bushwalking Victoria Leaders Forum, Saturday 16 to manage and to update content, and does not provide June, Parks Victoria office situated in Westerfolds the functionality required to limit access to specific users or Park, Templestowe (see opposite page) groups of users such as members, Board members, Bushwalking Victoria AGM, Saturday 16 June, Parks employees etc. The new site will be developed using the Victoria office situated in Westerfolds Park, Joomla Web Content Management System (the same as Templestowe used to develop the club websites), which will not only Federation Day 2012: Maroondah Bushwalking Club address the shortcomings of the existing arrangements but will be hosting the 2012 Federation Walk at Marysville introduce new functions which will allow activities such as on Sunday 14 October 2 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
NEW BOARD MEMBERS WANTED Make a difference Become Involved
A number of current Board members will not be seeking IT or conservation are encouraged to consider joining our re-election at the AGM in June and as a result dedicated and hard-working Board. Bushwalking Victoria is now looking for nominations to fill The Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month these vacancies. from 5pm at Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. Anyone The most important attributes for a Bushwalking Victoria considering nominating is encouraged to attend a Board Board member are: meeting or two. A passion for bushwalking More information on the role of the Bushwalking Victoria A desire to make a difference Board of Management and details of the current Board are available on the following page of the Bushwalking Victoria Enthusiasm website Ideas http://www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au/governance.htm A willingness to devote time and energy to promoting bushwalking and representing the interests of all If any of this appeals, or you know of someone in your club recreational bushwalkers. with the skills and experience we are seeking, I’d love to hear from you. Email or phone While there are no specific skills, knowledge or experience [email protected] or 9802 4449. required, people with experience and skills in areas such as business, management, marketing, education, training, Chris Towers President, Bushwalking Victoria
2012 Leadership Forum
The leadership team (ie. President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) of each club is invited
The Forum will comprise a number of presentaon and wor kshop sessi ons devot ed to the recent ly announced Bushwalking Victoria Strategic Review (see the March 2012 Bushwalking News). Make sure your club is represented. Further details, including the venue will be sent to clubs in May.
FOR CLUB COMMITTEES—NEW COMPLIANCE SUPPORT WEBSITE
The Office of the Community Sector has launched a Not- like insurance, safety responsibilities related to an For-Profit (NFP) Compliance Support Centre website, a increased potential risk of injury, leasing sporting venues, one-stop shop for Victorian NFP organisations to help disputes, grievances, discrimination, protecting children, them comply with all levels of government regulations. ANZAC day, fundraising and events. It is the first government web portal of its kind in Australia It's now live and available for use. It’s easy to navigate. and is a single entry point for all regulatory information, So please do take a look. Follow this link to the home licences, forms and related support materials, aiming to page: http://www.nfpcompliance.vic.gov.au/ reduce the regulatory burden for community sector The page for sport and recreation organisations is under organisations. Over 160 community organisations were ‘Your Not For Profit’. consulted in the process, to ensure that it is user-friendly and is tailored to the volunteer-based sector. Happy browsing! There is a page dedicated to sport and recreation Claire Millar, organisations that deals with compliance requirements Sport Programs, Sport and Recreation Victoria and concerns specific to that sector. These include things Department of Planning and Community Development
3 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
BUSHWALKING ENVIRONMENT Track clearing/conservation projects Sunday 22 April 2012 The walking tracks in this area are used regularly by many walking clubs, and Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln now it is time to give back and improve those tracks we walk on. In addition, we Regional Park hope on this day to create a new walking track link between Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln and in preparation for this, BEC has marked the proposed new walking track. A number of other tracks also need attention. There will be a variety of tasks, from an easy work with secateurs and loppers to the harder chainsaw and brushcutting jobs. Please consider participating in this this most important event. We also hope to have other passive recreational user groups involved on the day but we need your support. It will be a day for everyone - it will be fun!! Contact Steve Robertson (Bushwalking Victoria Conservation and Tracks Project Officer) via email at [email protected] or on 0438 267 129 or (03) 97625367 to register or to request further information.
Sat 19 to Sun 20 May 2012 A track maintenance project is planned for 19-20 May weekend for Lighthouse Northern Wilsons Prom Point to Chinaman’s Long Beach, south of Tin Mine Cove. There will be about 5km of track to form/clear. Transport arrangements are yet to be decided, but could be by boat to Tin Mine Cove, depending on the weather, or by 4WD out to end of Five Mile Rd.
… and in the pipeline: discussions involving BEC State Forest Walking Track Project BEC in conjunction with DSE will explore and remark the Eastern Tyers Walking Track. Wilsons Promontory Parks Victoria is currently in the process of developing a trails strategy for the park, and will be discussing the draft plan with Bushwalking Victoria sometime in May. Cathedral Ranges State Park People and Parks Foundation, Green Connections Projects, is working with Parks Victoria to construct a new walking track in the Cathedral Range SP that will link Sugarloaf Saddle area to Cooks Mill camping area. See also next column. Dave Rimmer, Manager BEC What the clubs are doing Warrnambool Walkers continue their grand efforts maintaining the Port Fairy- Warrnambool Rail Trail, with a work bee on the last Sunday of each month (except perhaps December (ed)). The Warrnambool Bushwalker, March 2012
4 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
AROUND THE TRACKS Grand Strzelecki Track official opening The official opening by the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Peter Ryan is planned for Sunday, 6 May 2012. It will probably take place at Balook, at the Tarra Bulga Information Centre. Buses will take walkers and guides to the starting points for walks. ‘Show bags’ of brochures and other ‘goodies’ will be available for participants. Dave Rimmer, Manager BEC Event timetable Day Time Activities Responsibilities Other information Showcase Billys Creek section of the Grand Strzelecki Track 7.00am Set up Morwell National (Jeeralang Volunteers display, marque WSC Junction) 7.30 Start bus run to Jumbuk Ian Southall 7.30 Registration for the walkers Sample bags, clothing, footwear 8.00 First walkers start (To be announced) 10.00 Set up entertainment
Saturday 5 May 5 Saturday 11.00 Entertainment commences Bands, indigenous dance troupe, bush poets 12.00 BBQ 1.00 Registrations closes 6.00 Last bus from Jumbuck
Showcase Balook sections of the Grand Strzelecki Track 7.00am Set up Visitors Centre Displays 7.30 Start bus run to Macks Creek, Tarra Breakfast, morning tea Valley, Mt Tassie 7.30 Registration for the walkers commences 8.00 Walkers to Macks Creek started 8.30 Walkers to Tarra Valley
SundayMay 6 9.00 Walkers to Mt Tassie 10.00 Set up entertainment 11.00 Entertainment commences Bands, indigenous dance troupe, bush poets 12.00 Official opening Welcome to guest MC Welcome to country 12.05 Mayor of Latrobe City 12.10 Mayor of Wellington 12.15 GST President 12.20 Peter Ryan opens track 12.30 Guests invited to lunch BBQ lunch for attendees 1.00 Walkers are invited to complete walks to Mt Tassie, Macks Creek and Tarra Valley 5.00 Start of pack up 6.00 Last bus from sites
5 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
Grampians NP Mount Beauty Hollow Mountain Walking Track reopened on Tuesday Dungey’s Track (DSE estate) 5 March. West Kiewa logging road (DSE estate) – closed from Bullaces Glen Walking track reopened on Friday 9 intersection with Dungey’s Track March. Oriental Claims historic area Venus Baths walk: There is access to a small section of the Venus Pedestrian bridge closed Baths walking track as part of the Bullaces Glen Ah Fong Loop walking track closed walk. However the walk to Venus Baths remains Upper Murray closed. Concept planning for realignments around land Blue Gum Ridge and Surveyors Creek 4WD tracks slips and bridge replacement is underway. until further notice Coppermine Rd has been reopened. Road crews Visitors are advised to avoid the Indi River camps have repaired the large washout on the road between Whitfield Coppermine bush camp and Mt Zero Rd. (King Hut, Pineapple and Top Crossing tracks are open, The Parks Victoria Southern Grampians walking map but please use caution due to high river levels at has been updated and is now available for sale. crossings.) Phil Brotchie, BEC Field Officer Closed: Alpine NP road & track closure report (by Basin Track area) as at 9 March 2012 Burnt Top Track from Basin Track (Wild Horse to Basin Dargo High Plains Rd) Long Spur Track Long Spur Track Sandy Flat Track Eastern Alps McMillans Track Snowy River Rd (or Barry Way) between Wulgulmerang and Jindabyne, NSW, and access to Stockyard Track the Willis area on the Snowy River and the Wabonga Track Ingeegoodbie/MacFarlanes track network until further Top Crossing Track notice due to washout of Suggan Buggan River bridge at Suggan Buggan Wonnangatta-Moroka Macs Creek Rd Dry River Walking Track/Bicentennial National Trail – Cobberas Trail Howitt Rd to Wonnangatta Valley and Guys Hut to Wonnangatta Valley MacFarlane Flat Track Wonnangatta access tracks from Dargo and Myrtleford Ingeegoodbee Track are currently impassable due to high river levels on the Wombat Creek Track Wonnangatta and Crooked Rivers; access is only Four Mile Creek Track available via Zeka Spur JP Track The Macalister, Caledonia and Dargo River catchments tracks should be avoided until river levels Kellys Track recede Davies Plain 4WD circuit Parks Victoria Limestone Creek Track McCarthys Track Wilsons Prom Buckwong Track Works on the Sealers Cove track from Telegraph Kings Plain Track Saddle Tom Groggin Track Mt Oberon Rd and Telegraph Saddle will remain closed due to ongoing flood repair work. Sealers Cove will only Nine Mile Creek Track - bridge works underway by be accessible from Refuge Cove. However, Brett Mitchell, DSE Mansfield Ranger in Charge, Wilsons Prom NP, reports that works on Bluff Link Rd from 16 Mile jeep track to Howqua River the Sealers Cove Track from Telegraph Saddle will begin Upper Howqua camping area in late March/April; The works involve major engineering solutions. Ian McKellar, BEC Field Officer
6 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
Southern Prom overnight hikes will be open from fully repaired and, therefore, it is requested that they follow Easter the new signage for their own safety, as well as ensuring that they do not enter areas that are closed to the public. The majority of overnight hiking tracks in the southern Based on Wilsons Prom NP Stakeholder Flood prom will reopen on 30 March 2012 giving hikers the Recovery Update No 12, March 2012 following access to southern prom hikes: and WPNP Hikers Guide, valid as March 2011 Norman Bay to Oberon Bay Ian McKellar, BEC Field Officer Oberon Bay to Telegraph Junction Telegraph Junction to Waterloo Bay What remains closed at Wilsons Prom Waterloo Bay to Refuge Cove The following roads, tracks, visitor facilities and natural features at Wilsons Prom NP remain closed until Refuge Cove to Sealers Cove necessary flood repair works are completed. South Point Track Around Tidal River Halfway Hut and Roaring Meg via the Oberon Track and Telegraph Track Loo-Errn Boardwalk and fishing platforms Lightstation via Telegraph Track and the South East Tidal River boat ramp (closed to motorised vehicles Track and powered boats) Waterloo Bay via the South East Track. Mt Oberon Rd Telegraph Saddle car park The campsites, including Sealers Cove, Refuge Cove, Halfway Hut, Roaring Meg, Waterloo Bay and Oberon Picnic Point Bay, have a two night maximum stay. Accommodation at Whisky Bay car park and beach access track the lightstation is for a maximum of two consecutive nights. No camping is permitted at the lightstation. Southern Prom Bookings for all campsites and the lightstation are Telegraph Saddle to Sealers Cove Track essential and must be made in advance; they can be Telegraph Track between Telegraph Saddle & made by phoning 13 1963. Telegraph Junction All sections in the northern prom are now open with the Telegraph walking track (Martins Hill to Telegraph exception of the Lighthouse Point to Tin Mine Cove Track) walking track and the Johnny Souey Cove camp. Northern Prom The following conditions apply to the Barry Creek, Lower Cotters Lake and Cotters Lake track Barry Creek, Tin Mine Cove and Five Mile Beach overnight camp areas: Johnny Souey Camp Hikers must fill out a Hiker Self Assessment Form Lighthouse Point to Tin Mine Track before a hiking permit is issued; call 13 1963 for WPNP Visitors Guide, valid as March 2011 further information. Some track sections are marked with flagging tape. Alps However hikers need to be self sufficient and proficient A landslide left massive rocks on the Mount Buffalo Rd in navigation with a map and compass. on 1 March. The road has now been cleared but care Overnight camping is permitted for two consecutive is needed when driving on the road. nights only at each camp area throughout the year. The walking track from Eagle Point to Mollisons Maximum group size at any one campsite is six. Galleries is heavily overgrown and the track may be difficult to find. Independent navigation is essential. Toilets are generally not provided. Bury all faecal waste and paper at least 15cm deep and at least 100 Pauline McLaughlin, BEC Field Officer metres from campsites and watercourses. Mix waste The road from the Howitt car park to King Billy has with soil to aid decomposition and discourage animals. been opened for the first time in three years. Hikers must obtain a permit before commencing their walk Access to Pinnacles fire tower (Moroka River area) is and carry it with them at all times. After completing hike, 4WD only due to flood damage. you need to return your permit to the Tidal River Visitor Jim Harker, BEC Field Officer Centre. There are permit boxes at the Five Mile car park, outside the Park Entrance Station and outside the Tidal See also Alpine Road Closures on the previous page. River Visitor Centre. Visitors are reminded that they will be walking through a highly altered environment and that some tracks are not
7 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
PV SALUTES ITS WOMEN RANGERS AND FIELD OFFICERS Parks Victoria, as part of the International Women’s Day (March 8) celebrations, acknowledged the contribution that the women in Parks Victoria make in the management and care of Victoria’s parks and waterways. Across all regions of Parks Victoria, women are employed in a variety of roles, ranging from Rangers, Project Fire Fighters, Field Services, Project Management, Events, Finance, Administration and Visitor Services. Parks Victoria has always provided opportunities for women to challenge themselves and take on roles that were traditionally thought of as men’s jobs, such as Park Rangers and Field Service Officers. There are currently 109 women are employed in various ranger and field service officer positions across Victoria, and about 22% of park rangers with Parks Victoria are women. It’s a continuation of the long tradition in Victoria of women in park ranger roles; such as the legendary naturalist Mrs Karamoana Healey, who became the first woman caretaker of a national park in Victoria in 1952, the Tarra Bulga National Park in South Gippsland. Based on Parks Victoria Media Release, Thursday 8 March 2012
Advertisement CHALLENGE YOUR FAMILY AND WILDFLOWER WONDER ON THE FRIENDS TO GET ACTIVE IN 2012 BIBBULMUN TRACK The 2012 Premier’s Active Families Challenge The Bibbulmun Track Foundation has opened bookings for their provides a great opportunity for all Victorian families popular 8-day Highlights Tour. This all-inclusive guided walking to get fit and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. tour is limited to 16 places and showcases the very ‘Best of the So grab your family and friends and register today to Bibbulmun’. The tour departs Perth on 10 September 2012 in do 30 minutes of physical activity a day for 30 days the midst of WA’s wildflower season. All inclusive cost: $2,450 between 19 March to 30 April. (twin share) It’s free to participate, and you’ll get: Lead Guide, Steve Sertis, who has walked the length of the 20 free YMCA passes per family or team track many times and knows it ‘inside-out’ said ‘The pace of this tour is ideal to appreciate the spectacular wildflowers and 15% discount at Rebel Sport diverse landscapes of the south-west.’ This tour combines full 1 free child entry to the Melbourne Aquarium and half-day walks. A private bus provides transport to and from 1 free child entry to the National Sports Museum. the track each day. Each evening the group returns to You’ll also: comfortable accommodation in the rural towns and villages along the track. Participants need carry only a small daypack. Have a chance to win heaps of great prizes, The flexible itinerary caters for all levels of experience. including iPads, Rebel Sport vouchers and coaching clinics with high profile athletes! The Bibbulmun Track Foundation is a not-for-profit, community- Get regular tips and ideas on ways to keep your based organisation established to provide support for the family active throughout the Challenge management, maintenance and marketing of the Bibbulmun Nominate your school to receive prizes as part of Track. All proceeds from this trip support the ongoing the new Challenge School Reward Program. sustainability of the Bibbulmun Track. To sign up for the Challenge, visit For more information call (08) 9481 0551, send an email to www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/challenge [email protected] o r g o t o or call 1300 463 684. www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au 8 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
BUSHWALKING VICTORIA BOARD MEMBER & OFFICE HOLDER PROFILE
Sylvia McLean What bushwalking club(s) do you belong to? Primarily Essendon BWC, but have been a long time member of the GDTA, VPNA, Gisborne BWC and more recently Melbourne Bushies and YHA. Also, I have been on many outings with other clubs, including Koonung, Boroondara and Maroondah (especially pack carries and base camps). A friend of mine once described me as the prostitute of bushwalkers—ie. ‘walk anywhere, at any time and with any one! ’ I have made many, many acquaintances in bushwalking circles. It is always great to see people I know, especially when you run into them on the track in the middle of nowhere.
How long have you been a member? How often do you manage to bushwalk? As often as Since 1989 with Essendon. Currently into my 23rd year possible! At least once or twice a week. I try to walk at there. least 5km a day. Do you or have you held a committee position in your What sort of bushwalking do you like best? Remote, club(s) Currently back on the committee as ordinary overnight or extended pack carries. I really enjoy summer member after a break of a few years; prior to that a 2-year Alpine walking. stint as secretary after a prolonged period as ordinary committee member. I also suggested and was involved in Do you have a favourite walk? All of them! The ones I organising the 2005 Federation Day Event at Blackwood remember as being not so good stand out due to really hosted by Essendon Bushwalking Club. adverse weather conditions. How long have you been bushwalking? Since I recently led my first overnight walk (should have done childhood on family outings but, regrettably, that stopped this years ago) over the 3-day New Year long weekend with higher education and career building. My passion re- over the Wellington Plains to Lake Tarli Karng, the ignited into my thirties and this time even parenthood was Sentinels, Gable End and home via Mt. Wellington. That no barrier to bushwalking. Breastfeeding, 3-wheeler was really special, especially as everything just went so prams and baby-carrier packs being the catalyst for well. continuous bushwalking. Mind you one has to be keen, Are you a member of a conservation or friends group? dedicated and highly organised, but you can certainly VNPA, local Landcare and greening groups and, of make it happen and keep happening. course, a strong advocate for Ray Thomas and the What got you started bushwalking? Enjoying the bush Regent Honey Eater Project held over four fortnightly and all associated with it on family outings as a child. weekends in August and September each year in the Lurg Then, later in life, walking the dog led to longer and longer Hills north east of Benalla. walks until I thought that I needed and wanted to join a Do you participate in conservation activities? If so walking group. So I automatically sought out my most what, where and how often? Predominantly tree planting local bushwalking group and instantly felt at home. I’m not with the above groups, but weeding is also a big part of it. sure if it is the euphoria created by the endorphins during I always enjoy any information events which Landcare physical exercise but it just makes you feel good. There is always seems to be so good at arranging eg. wildflower a combination of mental, physical and emotional/social walks, bat or bird talks and slides. Of course these events wellness associated with walking in the bush, especially are usually with experts in their field of knowledge. In the with like-minded friends. The essentials and priorities in hills behind Riddells Creek where I live, new species of life change for forever when you bushwalk: health, flowers are still being found by our local Landcare mobility, safety, shelter, food and some knowledge; the members. It is surprising how much you can note when basic needs in life become appreciably the essentials. you bushwalk. There are times when it can be challenging but there are rewards. There are times when it gets tough but then What do you do when you are not bushwalking? If I’m there is an interdependence and trust that develops within not bushwalking then I am reading about it! I can stick my the group that pulls everyone together so we all to get to head in a bushwalking book or ponder over a map for our goal safely. hours. I really enjoy creating and improving walk routes. I
9 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012 enjoy navigation and undertake the odd Rogaine. THE NATURAL ENVIROMENT Geocaching is starting to take up a lot of time in our household and can easily be combined with bushwalking. Australia-wide wildlife corridor plan Other than that there doesn’t seem to be much time for Eight wildlife corridors have been identified for funding anything else apart from family life and, unfortunately, from the proposed Carbon Tax. Two of them are in working. I am a midwife and getting out into the bush or Victoria—the Great Eastern Ranges initiative, listed as even just going for a daily walk around home is great ‘time Continental in scale, covering Victoria, NSW, ACT, out’ from the hectic world we live in. I do enjoy and Queensland; and the Habitat 141º / 'Outback to Ocean' recommend Pilates, particularly if you regularly carry a initiative, listed as Regional in scale, covering Victoria, heavy pack or suffer from any back or other ailments. South Australia. The targeted areas for the Great Eastern How long have you been on the BWV committee/been Ranges initiative are Slopes to Summit, Kosciusko to an office holder/been involved with BWV? I was on the Coast, Southern Highlands Link, Hunter Valley and Border Board as an ordinary member for three years from July Ranges. The targeted area for Habitat 141 initiative 2007-2010. Since 2008 I have continued as the stretches 700km along the 141st meridian of longitude. coordinator of the annual Federation Walk event. The criteria for assessing areas for inclusion are: What do you get from your contribution? One of the biodiversity value; threat, intact vegetation; connectivity; % things I really enjoyed during the time I was a committee preserved. ‘Institutional capacity’ was also a criterion. member was being actively involved in Bushwalking Visit the papers to see just what these criteria involve. Victoria’s 75th anniversary organising committee Unfortunately for many bushwalkers who contribute to the alongside Monica Chapman and Chris and Elaine Towers. Regent Honeyeater Project in the Lurg Hills near Benalla, This was when Chris set up the Where We Walk data for this area is not included. A search of the two major all our clubs, the photographic calendar competition planning documents did not give any matches for Regent commenced and the 2009 Federation event was to be Honeyeater. hosted as a combined clubs event at Mt. Disappointment. When the Black Saturday Fires prevented that, a fantastic To view the Draft National Wildlife Corridors Plan, go to effort was held instead, as a record number of trees were http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife- planted in the Regent Honeyeater Project that Spring, in corridors/index.html lieu of the Federation walk. Since I have been the The Advisory Group is seeking public comments before Federation Walk event coordinator, I have encouraged preparing a final plan for consideration by the Minister for and assisted Ballarat B&OC, Waverley, Peninsula/Catholic Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and bushwalking clubs to host successful day and week end Communities. Comments close on 20 April 2012. To events at Beaufort, Anglesea and Rosebud. I am currently make a submission go to enjoying planning meetings with the Maroondah BWC who http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/wildlife- are capably organising this year’s day event at Marysville. corridors/consultation/index.html I really enjoy meeting and working with like-minded people who appreciate and share my passion for the bush and Regent Honeyeater Project—Lurg Hills near everything associated with it. I guess that I just want to Benalla learn as much as possible and share my small amount of It’s that exciting time of year again. The Regent knowledge and ensure that others who are interested can Honeyeater Project is not just about a single endangered gain as much pleasure as I do. There is a lot of bird or only endangered birds, it’s also about endangered satisfaction in giving and sharing, particularly about one’s native mammals. So it’s time to assess how the own passion. populations of Sugar Gliders, Squirrel Gliders and Phascogales are doing in the Lurg Hills near Benalla. The SUNRISE & SUNSETMELBOURNE GPO first nest box weekend was on 24-25 March, so as you are EST starts Sunday 1 April Fri 6 Apr 0639 1806 EST reading this it is probably too late to join in for that Fri 20 Arp 0651 1747 EST Fri 4 May 0704 1730 EST weekend, but there is a second weekend on 21-22 April. Fri 8 May 0716 1717 EST Fri 1 Jun 0727 1709 EST Fri 15 Jun 0734 1707 EST Fri 29 Jun 0736 1711 EST What is involved? Over each weekend, we check nest Fri 13 Jul 0733 1718 EST Fri 27 Jul 0725 1729 EST boxes attached to trees to identify and count the types Fri 10 Aug 0711 1740 EST Fri 24 Aug 0653 1752 EST animal using them and to assess the condition of the Fri 7 Sep 0632 1804 EST Fri 21 Sep 0611 1826 EST boxes. Fri 5 Oct 0549 1828 EST EDST starts Sunday 7 October Fri 19 Oct 0629 1941 EDST Fri 2 Nov 1612 1956 EDST This data is collated and used to assess the endangered Fri 16 Nov 0559 2012 EDST Fri 30 Nov 0552 2025 EDST animals are faring and to make decisions about how their Fri 14 Dec 0552 2037 EDST Fri 21 Dec 0554 2042 EDST conservation should progress. Last year’s count showed Full Moons some nice growth in Squirrel Glider populations and Sat 7 Apr, Sun 6 May, Mon 4 Jun, Wed 4 Jul, Thu 2 Aug, Fri 31 Aug, promising signs that the local juvenile Squirrel Gliders are Sun 30 Sep, Tue 30 Oct, Thu 29 Nov, Fri 28 Dec using the tree planting corridors to disperse when their Source: www.ga.gov.au parents kick them out of home. 10 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
The weekend offers a wonderful opportunity to get close Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay and City to gliders. You are almost guaranteed to see one or two Walks—book review noses poking out of a bowl of leaves when you check the boxes, and everyone has an opportunity to have a look. This new walking guide is primarily for the non- We count for most of Saturday (after a brief talk by Ray bushwalker. It covers lots of interesting urban walks in the Thomas, the coordinator, on safety and anything particular Melbourne city and suburbs and along Port Phillip Bay, to look for) and on Sunday until just after lunch to allow and a few more ‘bushy’ walks including Kokoda Memorial time for the return trip to Melbourne. Track at Ferntree Gully and the Hamer Arboretum on Melbourne’s outskirts or a little further afield in the You All ages are welcome. The walks to the nest boxes are Yangs and Long Forest. Most of the walks described are usually short (a few hundred metres between sites) and short—the longest is the 10.7km Williamstown maritime then back to the cars to drive to the next cluster. You history walk. The given walk times are generous—geared need to climb a ladder to get up to the boxes, but not so to the pace of non-bushwalkers and sightseers. But very high, and if you are nervous about climbing ladders ‘distance’ walkers can of course combine different walks don’t be because safety is always a primary concern and and walk faster to make a walk more ‘challenging’. we are shown how to place and climb the ladders safely. The production qualities of the book are excellent: And if you don’t want to climb, you don’t have too. comfortable size for carrying in your bag or holding in the You will need to provide lunch, snacks and drinks for hand; good paper; colour-coded by area for easy yourself for both days. On Saturday night there is a BBQ reference; clear walk summaries; clear maps; clear walk where you meet up with your fellow counters; bring your descriptions; lovely and enticing images; interesting own goodies for a barbeque. (Benalla has good snippets of additional information about history or points of supermarkets to resupply from and a number of nice interest. bakeries where most people go for Sunday breakfast.) Nearly all Melbourne-based bushwalking clubs do urban Free accommodation on Saturday night is available in the and local park walks as part of their Easy grade walking local scout hall; only mattresses are provided, so bring program. This book is an excellent resource for planning your own sleeping bag. Otherwise you can stay at the such walks. And for planning activities during the hot caravan park or at a motel. summer months when some of us prefer to do easier or If you want to attend or want more information, contact shorter walkers or walks with more opportunities for Ray Thomas at [email protected] refreshments stops and respite from the heat. It is also an excellent resource for clubs that offer walks as part of local Freely adapted from Chris Schirlinger, community participation programs. The News of the Melbourne Bushwalkers Inc, Mar 2012 It is an valuable book for encouraging non-walkers to get out there and walk without fear of being outside their comfort zone, and to do walks of interest to family and BUSHWALKING RESOURCES friends. It should also tempt bushwalkers to explore urban Melbourne and Port Philip Bay. If you have interstate or Great Dividing Trail—Goldfields Track overseas visitors, you will find in it lots of walks that show walking guide is on its way off Melbourne. This is the first of Julie’s walking books. She plans to The Goldfields Track walking guide will be published in supplement it with three other titles: Best Walks of the next couple of months. It is designed to complement Geelong, The Bellarine and the Surf Coast, Best Walks of the GDTA’s three existing maps for the Goldfields Track. the Great Ocean Road & The Otways and Best Walks of The guide will have 1:25,000 scale maps of the whole of Ballarat and The Goldfields, which are due out later this the 210km track between Mt Buninyong and Bendigo. year. That is something to look forward to. Gib Wettenhall, the GDTA’s publications officer, is writing and producing the guide, and he has now walked or Author: Julie Mundy ridden its whole length as part of the 'ground truthing' Title: Melbourne’s Best Bush, Bay & City Walks process. GDTA surveyor Bill Casey has GPSed the Publisher: Woodslane Press Pty Ltd whole track. DSE's Customised Mapping Unit in Ballarat Edition: First (2011) is producing standard VicMap style contour maps. Pages: 238 Size: 13cm x 32cm The maps with track notes and large numbers of photos Weight: 410g will be sandwiched between essays by local experts on RRP: $29.95 Editor landscape features from geology to plants and animals, as well as essays on the goldfields' rich cultural heritage Bushwalking N e w s V ictoria Advertising Rates and some of the area's historical characters. 1/6 page advertisement $26.25 Note: Advertisements must be artwork ready. 1/4 page advertisement $42.00 * Advertiser to supply 300 printed inserts each edition. We’ll keep you posted. 1/3 page advertisement $52.50 Advertising is welcome but insertion is subject to the 1/2 page advertisement $78.75 editor’s discretion. GDTA POST, Vol 2012, Issue 1, March 2012 Full page advertisement $157.50 Products or services advertised in this publication are Address list of affiliate clubs $52.50 not endorsed or recommended in any way by Insert for Newsletter* $52.50 Newsletter of the Great Dividing Trail Association Bushwalking Victoria.
11 Bushwalking News Victoria April 2012
W h o ’s Who at Bushwalking Victoria Reg No A0002548Y ABN 88 344 633 037
Office Specialist Officers Administration Officer: Jenny Sykes Insurance: PO Box 1007 Templestowe Vic 3106 [email protected] Phone: 8846 4131 Fax: 9846 7473 Publications and News Editor: Joslin Guest [email protected] [email protected] www.bushwalkingvictoria.org.au Federation Walks Coordinator Sylvia McLean Office Hours: 9.30-3.30 [email protected] Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Consultants Office Bearers Strategy Consultant: Tony Walker President: Chris Towers [email protected] [email protected] 9802 4449 Honorary Auditor and Accounting Consultant: Skype: ec.towers Stephen Skaleskog Vice President: John Creaser Land Management Submissions: Phil Brotchie [email protected] [email protected] 5356 2459 Secretary (Vacant) [email protected] Assistant Secretary Val Wake Representatives on Other Organisations [email protected] Bushwalking Australia: Treasurer: Fred Bover Victorian Delegate: Chris Towers 9439 7092 0439 002 844 Victorian Deputy Delegate: David Reid [email protected] Please contact via the office General Board Members Organisations where BWV Members Doug Kneen [email protected] Provide a Bushwalking Perspective Megan Major [email protected] Metropolitan Melbourne Reference Group: Phil Brotchie David Reid [email protected] Outdoor Recreation Centre Committee of Management: Dave Rimmer [email protected] Chris Towers Terry Sydes [email protected] Living Links Steering Committee: Tony Walker Standing Committees Bush Search and Rescue Victoria: Peter Campbell [email protected] Manager Bushwalking Environment: Dave Rimmer [email protected] 0458 998 872 Conservation and Track Maintenance Project Officer: Steven Robertson [email protected] 9762 5367
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